We’ve become hermits. You haven’t heard from us. You’ve asked to get together. We haven’t called or texted. We are sorry. We haven’t been the greatest friends or in some cases family members. Please know, it’s not you, it’s us.

In the last month or so, intentionally and unintentionally, Eli and I have become quite insular. We’ve nestled in and have kind of shut out the rest of the world. We know it’s selfish, and please know that we don’t want to be, but there is a purpose.

There is, in our opinion, very little that we feel that we have control of right now, and currently we are in a state of coping. Many HAPs (hopeful adoptive parents) will at times feel this way, especially as time goes on during the waiting period. We can’t control the wait. We can’t control how people respond, the comments, the lack of comments, how we feel, the holidays, the lack of kids in our personal family (we have lots in the rest of our lives), etc. So we, Eli and I, try to cope. Normally we are busy bodies. We LOVE to socialize…to be out and about. But right now, especially during the holidays, we know that we need to nurture our relationship, nurture how we are feeling, and where we are. Although it sounds sad, and at times we feel that way, it’s a part of our process. Very much like nesting, pregnancy brain, and heavy emotions are part of biologically having a baby.

I know that at times our story sounds sad. Please know that it isn’t. I know at times that the waiting sounds sad. It can be, but we know it’s worth it. This is our path. We are being made strong. Our relationship is strong, and we know it’s for a purpose.

So please know, we are still here. We aren’t ignoring. We love you all. Just know that as we nestle in at home right now, we are gearing ourselves up to venture into 2017. We are excited to touch base with friends, to catch up, and to reconnect. Taking care of yourself can seem so simple, but it’s more complicated than you think. Miss and love you all! Merry Christmas!

~Chelsea and Eli